Dunn said his clients have waited more than a year to get a permit granted by the United States Department of Agriculture.

"It's kind of a reserved victory for them," he said. "You wonder if this will actually follow through. If the USDA will provide the inspector."

The governor has already expressed her distaste for the decision.

"It's disappointing that the federal government says this is something that can be done, but I still don't support it," Gov. Susana Martinez said.

Valley Meats counters that it will be creating jobs.

"Right off the bat, the plant needs 40 people," Dunn said.

"Slaughtering horses, I don't see how that's a positive way to create jobs in New Mexico," Martinez said.

Horse meat is generally not eaten by humans in the United States, so the meat processed at the plant will be shipped abroad.

"The demand in Europe has gone up," Dunn said. "Countries like France, Belgium, even the United Kingdom have seen a surge."

Animal rights advocates have come forward in an effort to stop the operation. Dunn said several groups are suing the company, although he argues that what Valley Meats is doing is humane for the animals.

"Leaving them to starvation and neglect, I think, is far more inhumane than giving them a quick and painless death," he said.

Officials said Friday they plan to grant similar permits to meat-processing plants in Iowa and Missouri.